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Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

Jesus and Justification

Pastor Bryan Schneider · July 25, 2026

Romans 4:23-25

sharonrpc.org/sermons/romans-423-25

Scripture

Sermon Text

Romans 4:23-25

23 Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him, 24 but also for us. It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, 25 who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.

New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved.

Summary

Main Points

  • Abraham's faith was recorded not merely for his benefit but for all who believe in Christ.

  • The same righteousness credited to Abraham is credited to everyone who believes in the God who raised Jesus from the dead.

  • Biblical faith trusts God's promises, even when they appear humanly impossible.

  • The Christian gospel is summarized in Romans 4:25:

    • Jesus was delivered up because of our offenses.

    • Jesus was raised because of our justification.

  • Christ's death paid the penalty for our sins, while His resurrection confirms the Father's acceptance of His sacrifice and secures our righteous standing before God.

  • Saving faith rests entirely upon Christ's finished work rather than human effort.

  • The resurrection is essential to the gospel because it demonstrates Christ's victory over death and His ongoing priestly ministry for believers.

  • Jesus now intercedes before the Father as our risen High Priest, presenting believers as righteous because they are united to Him.

  • The central question for every listener is: Do you believe?

Key Scripture References

  • Romans 4:16–25

  • Genesis 15

  • Genesis 17

  • Hebrews 11

  • Romans 1:16

  • Romans 3:19–24

  • Romans 5:8

  • Romans 8:32

  • Isaiah 53

  • John 10:18

  • Luke 24

  • Acts 1

  • 1 Corinthians 15

Reflection and discussion

  • Why does Paul say Abraham's story was written for us?

  • What does biblical faith believe about God's power?

  • Why was Christ's death necessary for salvation?

  • What does it mean that Jesus died "because of our offenses"?

  • Why is Christ's resurrection essential to justification?

  • How does the resurrection provide assurance that God accepted Christ's sacrifice?

  • What comfort comes from knowing Christ intercedes for believers today?

  • How does justification differ from sanctification?

  • What doubts about salvation does this passage answer?

  • How does believing in the risen Christ change daily Christian living?

Key terms

  • Justification – God's legal declaration that a sinner is righteous through Christ.

  • Imputation – The crediting of Christ's righteousness to believers and believers' sins to Christ.

  • Resurrection – Christ's bodily rising from the dead on the third day.

  • Substitutionary Atonement – Christ taking the punishment sinners deserved.

  • Faith – Trusting in Christ alone for salvation.

  • Grace – God's undeserved favor toward sinners.

  • High Priest – Christ's ongoing ministry of interceding before the Father for His people.

  • Intercession – Christ's continual advocacy on behalf of believers.

  • Redemption – Christ purchasing sinners from the bondage of sin through His blood.

  • Gospel – The good news that Christ died for our sins and rose again for our justification.

Notes and prayer